Federal Authorities Recall Hundreds of Pounds of Buckhead Tuna Due to Elevated Toxin Levels

A nationwide recall has been initiated for nearly 333 pounds of tuna distributed across five states after testing revealed elevated levels of a toxin capable of causing food poisoning, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed.

The FDA stated that the recall encompasses 332.9 pounds of Buckhead tuna distributed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

This advisory has been classified as a Class II recall, indicating that exposure to the product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” per the FDA.

The affected Buckhead tuna was sold in refrigerated Styrofoam containers in 10-pound, 12-pound, 15-pound, and 3-to-5-pound cases. The product number is 0004255.

The FDA reported that nearly 333 pounds of Buckhead tuna distributed across five states were recalled after testing detected elevated levels of scombrotoxin. (Lauri Patterson/Getty Images)

The recall was triggered after the New Jersey Department of Health notified the company that two tuna samples tested positive for elevated scombrotoxin levels.

The company initiated the recall on July 24, and the FDA officially classified it as Class II on September 16. The recall remains ongoing.

According to the FDA, scombroid poisoning is “a unique form of food poisoning caused by consumption of certain marine fish species that have experienced partial bacterial spoilage.”

This condition most commonly occurs when fish species such as tuna and mackerel begin to spoil as bacteria grows, potentially resulting in elevated histamine levels.

The recall includes Buckhead tuna sold in refrigerated Styrofoam containers in various case sizes and distributed across five states. (Getty Images / Getty Images)

Scombrotoxin is not destroyed by freezing, cooking, smoking, curing, or canning, according to the FDA.

Individuals exposed to scombrotoxin typically do not experience severe or long-term illness, the agency noted.

Symptoms may resemble an allergic reaction and can include facial rash, hives, swelling, short-term diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, according to the FDA.

The FDA classified the Buckhead tuna recall as Class II, meaning exposure may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. (Towfiqu Ahamed/Getty Images)

The FDA recommends that fish such as tuna be properly handled, refrigerated, or immediately frozen to help prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.

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